Boozy chimps + Great Migration debate + wild dog hotspots
This is a copy of our weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter and more inspiration for your African safari.
From our editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
It turns out that our primate ancestors enjoyed cheeky tipples long before humans raised their first glass. New research has found that wild chimpanzees in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda consume the alcohol equivalent of a daily bottle of lager: from eating naturally fermented fruit.
This finding fuels the so-called “drunken monkey” hypothesis: that our own fondness for a sundowner may be an inherited taste from primate ancestors who learned that overripe figs and plums pack both sugar and spirit. But the chimps aren’t getting drunk. The alcohol levels, while measurable, aren’t enough to impair survival or cause hangovers. Instead, scientists suggest the behaviour strengthens social bonds as the chimps gather to enjoy the fallen fruit.
So next time you sip a cold one, raise it to the original foragers. And if you’d like to see these fruit-ferment aficionados for yourself, join us on an Africa Geographic chimp-trekking safari – where the encounters are intoxicating, but the drinks are strictly from a bottle.
This week, safari guide Adam Bannister tackles the Great Migration debate – beyond the river crossings to the survival of East Africa’s golden goose – and we spotlight Africa’s six best wild dog hotspots for your next safari
Taryn van Jaarsveld – Editor, Africa Geographic
Did you know? Your African safari choice makes a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
Our stories this week
GREAT MIGRATION DEBATE
The Great Migration is more than river crossings. Adam Bannister talks overtourism’s risks & calls for ethical, conservation-first safaris
WILD DOG SAFARIS
Longing to see African wild dogs? Here are the six best spots to see painted wolves in Africa – perfect for your next safari with us
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Classic Tanzania: bush & beach safari – 10 days – from US$7,150pps
The perfect bush and beach trifecta. A classic Tanzanian bush and beach safari that immerses you in iconic locations with time-honoured luxury camps. This is an unforgettable 10-day sojourn that blends the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with the tranquil allure of its pristine beaches. You’ll journey through Tarangire National Park to the awe-inspiring panoramas of the Ngorongoro Crater, the sweeping plains of Serengeti National Park, and the sun-kissed shores of Zanzibar.
Timbavati | Victoria Falls | Chobe – 10 days – from US$13,610pps
3 countries & 3 iconic parks in one safari! Experience the thrill of the wild with a luxury safari that takes you from the heart of Timbavati in Greater Kruger to majestic Victoria Falls and the breathtaking Chobe Riverfront. Drift along the Chobe River as hundreds of elephants drink and play nearby, and watch a leopard mother and her cubs in total serenity
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safaris ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
African safari: Our safari guests say…
AG safari guests, Teresa and Joan from Ireland, went on a dream South Africa trip to Madikwe and Cape Town:
“Magical trip to South Africa. What a fabulous time we had in South Africa, booked seamlessly through Ro and Linda at Africa Geographic.
Our trip was to Madikwe Game Reserve, where we stayed for 3 nights. The lodge was very welcoming – beautiful place to stay within the park – and the food was so varied and delicious. The game drives exceeded our expectations… we had many close-up views of the animals. A shout out to our safari guide Ashley, who shared all his knowledge of the animals (and he was a really polite gentleman). And of course, to Heidi, the lodge manager, who had a lovely birthday cake for me on my 60th birthday.
Our internal flights to get to Cape Town ran very smoothly, and we were then picked up punctually and stayed at the Queen Victoria Hotel in Cape Town for 3 nights. What a lovely place! We visited all the ‘to-do’ sites there, including Table Mountain, Boulders Beach and Robben Island. A big thank you to Lloyd, whom we booked for a day to drive us around, through AG. All in all, a fabulous itinerary made to our liking. Thank you, AG: I would highly recommend them. Teresa and Joan.🐾🌍x”
WATCH – AFRICAN SAFARI INSPIRATION:
Planning an African safari can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Wildlife photographer Andrew Macdonald shares what makes an Africa Geographic safari truly extraordinary. (03:26)
Click here to watch
*Deep in Kibale, a chimpanzee contemplates the symphony of the forest. Kibale National Park, Uganda. © Eduardo del Alamo
Photographer of the Year 2025 Top 109 entry
To comment on this story: Login (or sign up) to our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
